The Blood, Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is a treasured character in literature whose appeal has crossed over since the inception of modern media. The beloved detective has been featured on radio shows and in various incarnations on TV and in film, most recently with Robert Downey Jr. playing the role (with gusto, we might add). But Sherlock Holmes has always been something of a benign character, one who favors conservative tweed coats and comes off a tad bit goofy, despite his logical prowess. Productions of Holmes mysteries are typically Victorian, swathed in tones of brown and evoking images of sooty skies and wet cobblestones. Theatre Three's production of The Crucifer of the Blood reimagines Holmes and his assistant Watson, via the magic of playwright Paul Giovanni's script and the production design by Jeffrey Schmidt, which lifts the tale out of Victorian doldrums and gives the play an industrial edge. Holmes, Watson and the entire set take on a steampunk-inspired look that gives the mystery (which spans 30 years) a fresh look, keeping the audience visually engaged in this complex tale of murder, curses and romance. The Crucifer of the Blood plays at Theatre Three, 2800 Routh St., Suite 168, through September 5, with shows every Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $15 to $20, with discounts for students and seniors. Visit theatre3dallas.com.
Thursdays-Sundays. Starts: Aug. 5. Continues through Sept. 5, 2010